Multi-proxy biomarker determination in peat: Optimized extraction and cleanup method for paleoenvironmental application

•Ombrotrophic peatlands are valuable archives for organic biomarker reconstruction.•Attention is rarely put on method performance in paleoenvironmental research.•Multi-proxy approach allows maximizing information despite low sample availability.•We optimized extraction and cleanup critical steps.•St...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microchemical journal 2020-07, Vol.156, p.104821, Article 104821
Main Authors: Argiriadis, Elena, Martino, Matteo, Segnana, Michela, Poto, Luisa, Vecchiato, Marco, Battistel, Dario, Gambaro, Andrea, Barbante, Carlo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers
Multi-proxy
n-Alkanes
PAH
Peat
Sterols
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Summary:•Ombrotrophic peatlands are valuable archives for organic biomarker reconstruction.•Attention is rarely put on method performance in paleoenvironmental research.•Multi-proxy approach allows maximizing information despite low sample availability.•We optimized extraction and cleanup critical steps.•Sterol, PAH and n-alkane peat first data for the Cadore region are provided. Organic compounds stored in sedimentary archives, such as peat bogs, can provide information on numerous processes related to paleoenvironmental changes. The application of multi-proxy methods permits to overcome the limits imposed by reduced sample size, although complex matrices need particular attention to some analytical aspects. Here, we developed and validated a method for the simultaneous determination of 27 n-alkanes, 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and 6 sterols in peat by optimizing the extraction and cleanup procedures. The method was evaluated in terms of accuracy, recovery, detection limits and according to green chemistry assessments. In the view of future application in high-resolution multi-proxy geochemical paleoenvironmental studies, it was applied to a test batch of eight samples from the Coltrondo ombrotrophic peatland, located in northern Italy. The multi-proxy approach allowed extracting less than 1 g of dry sample. The stability of proxies over time was assessed by analyzing samples in a wide time and depth range. Results were in agreement with existing historical records and represent the first peat biomarker data for the area.
ISSN:0026-265X
1095-9149
DOI:10.1016/j.microc.2020.104821